Resveratrol reduces oxidative stress in the lungs

Taiwanese researchers investigated the use of resveratrol to protect the lungs against oxidative stressed caused by carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), a common toxic industrial pollutant. They reported that reservatrol – a plant-based polyphenol – could shield lung cells from the harmful inflammation caused by CNBPs.

Their research efforts were supported by the Kaohsiung Medical University. They published their findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Human lung epithelial cell lines were cultured, with some being pre-treated with resveratrol. CNBPs were administered to both pre-treated and untreated cultures to induce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Researchers evaluated the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as alterations in the the mitochondrial membrane potential. They also determined the levels of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and protein expressions.
• CNBP sharply increased the oxidative stress levels in lung epithelial cells by upregulating and increasing inflammation-causing substances. Conversely, resveratrol lowered these factors, thereby reducing oxidative stress.
• Resveratrol prevented the expression of protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) that caused inflammation.
• Reactive oxygen species scavengers and NADPH oxidase inhibitors were able to reduce the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and and COX-2. The nox inhibitor could also reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase, and prostaglandin E2.

Based on their findings, the researchers believed that taking food and supplements with resveratrol could help protect lung cells from inflammation caused by toxic CNBPs.

If you would like to browse the full study, visit this page.

For more stories about the beneficial effects of resveratrol as a dietary supplement, visit SupplementsReport.com.

Journal Reference:

Hsu H-T, Tseng Y-T, Wong W-J, Liu C-M, Lo Y-C. RESVERATROL PREVENTS NANOPARTICLES-INDUCED INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS VIA DOWNREGULATION OF PKC-? AND NADPH OXIDASE IN LUNG EPITHELIAL A549 CELLS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 9 July 2018;18(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2278-6.